Wednesday, May 11, 2011

944 Detroit: Roaring 2011

Photograph by Scott Spellman for 944 Detroit.

"It wasn’t long ago that the term 'craft cocktail' didn’t mean much to drinking audiences, but thanks to a handful of craft cocktail aficionados and a resurgence in consumer appreciation for all things artisanal and handcrafted, craft cocktails are coming back in a big way — so big, in fact, that the month of April saw not one, not two, but three new craft cocktail bars opening in the area.

'What is a craft cocktail? Purists may define it specifically as a classic cocktail, with recipes more than 150 years old, heavy on whiskeys, bourbons, gins and vermouths. Sazeracs, Negronis, Corpse Revivers and aptly named Old Fashioneds fall into this category. But in a broader scope, a “craft cocktail” is simply one that is made by hand with homemade ingredients using high quality liquors and liqueurs that take more time to make. As the world continues to shrink in on itself and society embraces all things local, small-batch and independent, the interest in craft cocktails is growing fast. These new hotspots will help Detroiters get their craft cocktail connoisseur certification..."

NOTE: Due to unforseen delays after print deadlines, The Oakland and Sugar House are not yet open but will be soon. Valentine Vodka is open now and will be hosting an official grand opening celebration on May 20.
Read the rest of the article here.